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In schools, 9/11 goes from current events to history class

Photography by USA Today Network and The Associated Press. Audio by WCBS Newsradio.

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The Statue of Liberty, right, stands at the entrance to New York Harbor as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center burn in this view from Jersey City, N.J. on Sept. 11, 2001.(Photo: MIKE DERER Associated Press file photo)Buy Photo

The week after Sept. 11, 2001, students at Hope Hall went outside their private school building on Buffalo Road in Gates, stood around the flagpole with hands clasped and said prayers for those who died in the terrorist attacks, as well as first responders in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Every day, truckers passing by on Buffalo Road stopped and joined the circle. So did Gates Town Hall employees from across the street. And on each anniversary for the next several years, the school sent coffee and doughnuts to their local police, ambulance and fire stations as a symbol of their appreciation.

That went on for about 10 years. Eventually, though, School Leader Sister Diana Dolce decided to switch from breakfast to a heartfelt email. It cost less, and no one remarked upon the change.

"You know, just talking about it makes me think — we ought to bring those guys doughnuts and coffee again Monday morning," Dolce said Friday, two days before the 15th anniversary of that traumatic day.

For adults in the United States, Sept. 11 instantly became a milestone event, and a touchstone for the sweeping changes that came after. It is hard to recognize how much time has passed.

For students in local schools now, though, Sept. 11 has inevitably moved from a current events discussion to a history lesson. Most current high school seniors were 3 years old in 2001. Those who enter kindergarten this year were born in 2011, when 10 years had already passed.

"When we first did it, obviously students were much more aware; you didn't have to go through the background," said Brad Fiege, a world history teacher at Greece Arcadia High School. "It was never really much of a lesson, just sharing personal feelings in terms of where you were and what it felt like. ... As time has gone on, you don't see that as much."

The passing of time has affected teachers' Sept. 11 plans in several ways. For one thing, commemorations and discussions are now more likely to happen at the classroom level, not the entire school.

A teacher's role now is not just to facilitate discussion and parse students' feelings, but to let them know what happened, and why it matters. That includes explaining the widespread and continuing changes in national politics and security — especially when children have no other experience to compare them with.

"Now, whenever some kind of disaster happens other than weather, they immediately assume it's terrorism," said Rob Stalter, a U.S. history teacher at Greece Arcadia. "For students today, there's nothing to compare that with, because it's always been that way. We try to help them understand what a turning point this was, and continues to be, for our country."

Another hurdle for teaching Sept. 11 is where it falls in the school year. U.S. history teachers have barely gotten to the Iroquois Confederacy, let alone the 21st century. And it's hard to delve into an emotionally charged topic when teachers and students have yet to form a relationship.

"You can go in there with great intentions and really open up a hornet's nest if you don't know how to support or protect them yet in an honest discussion," Fiege said.

CLOSE

The Rochester area is home to at least 11 relics from the World Trade Center.

The state learning standards for high school social studies include a section on Sept. 11 in the context of globalization, international conflict and the United States' role in the world.

Students are supposed to examine links between the Sept. 11 attacks and other incidents that preceded it, as well as the way the attacks led to the Patriot Act, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and broader questions of government surveillance and intrusion on civil liberties.

At Hope Hall, Dolce said it is the school's responsibility to imbue the historical facts with the emotions that staff members still feel 15 years later. She compared it with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

"They know the basics, about the plans and the towers and the Pentagon," she said. "They know the facts; we have to put in the feelings. ... We have to pull them back into that moment."

Martin Lyons of West Haverstraw looks at his wife, Terri, who was waiting to pick him up at the White Plains train station on Sept 11. Lyons had just arrived from Manhattan. Matthew Brown/The Journal News

With no subway or bus service, refugees from the World Trade Center and surrounding buildings made a slow trek north on Sept. 11. They gathered around cars with radios blaring and listened to the news that the terrorist attacks had reached beyond New York City. The Journal News

The George Washington Bridge was closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. By mid afternoon, the Port Authority began using shuttles to get people across the Hudson River span. The Journal News

U.S. Army Reservists stand guard with automatic weapons at the Army Reserve on Route 303 in Orangeburgon Sept. 11. The military was put on high alert following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The Journal News

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Suzette Lacher, 10, a fifth-grader at Montessori School 27 in Yonkers, displays her journal entry for Sept. 12, 2001. The students were able to write or draw or both to express their feelings about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The Journal News

Gordon Kappel, 3, and his 2-year-old brother, Shane, of Pelham wait as their mom Heidi Kappel gives blood Sept. 12, 2001 for victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center at the Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester in New Rochelle. The Journal News

FDNY Tower Ladder 84, called "Close to the Edge," pours water onto the remains of Building 7 at the World Trade Center on Sept. 12, 2001. Standing at right is Rye firefighter Dan DeCarlo. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Worshippers gather on Sept, 12, 2001 at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City for a prayer vigil to honor the dead following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The Journal News

Medical personnel at St. Vincent's Hospital wait on the street for victims of the World Trade Center attacks to arrive on Sept. 12, 2001. Very few rescued victims were brought to the hospital; several injured firefighters from rescue and recovery operations were brought in for treatment. The Journal News

Jane Blackwell hugs her children Alexandra, 15, Samantha, 11 and Ryan, 13, outside their Putnam Lake house on Sept. 12, 2001. Their father, Chris Blackwell, an EMT with Rescue 3, was missing following the World Trade Center attacks. The Journal News

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PTA members Heidi Mele, left, and Judy Prieston from Hawthorne tape up boxes of water and supplies at Westlake High School Sept. 13, 2001. The supplies were going to firehouses in New York City. The Journal News

Lorena Ocampo of New Jersey holds a sign Sept. 13, 2001 of her missing best friend, Fabian Soto, not seen since the attacks on the World Trade Center. Ocampo stood outside the Lexington Avenue Armory in hopes of hearing news about her friend. The Journal News

Karen DeAngelis, an employee at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, prays during a Mass in the hospitalÕs chapel on Sept. 13, 2001. The hospital was one of many places were vigils and prayer services took place throughout the country. The Journal News

Phillip Rivera of Boston and Benicio Molina of Manhattan are wrapped in American flag beach towels at Times Square on Sept. 13, 2001 as a tribute for those injured or lost following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Matthew Brown/The Journal News

Firefighter Danny Spino from Elizabeth, N.J. sleeps in a chair on Church Street across from Ground Zero on Sept. 13, 2001. "I started at midnight, I donÕt even know when we will stop, we are going back in now," he said. The Journal News

Trudy Calandrillo of Brooklyn appeals to the media on Sept. 13, 2001 for "good or bad news" on the whereabouts of her brother, Joseph Calandrillo, who worked at The World Trade Center. Many gathered at the Lexington Avenue Armory to seek information on missing loved ones. The Journal News

Brian Sargetz of Manhattan sits at a memorial at Union Square on Sept. 13, 2001. Hundreds of people placed flowers, candles and left written notes and prayers to honor those killed and injured from the terrorist attacks that rocked the nation. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

A police officer signs a make-shift memorial set up amid the rubble of the World Trade Center on Sept. 13, 2001. Emergency personnel brought a small statue, placed a police cap on it and taped a sheet of paper that was signed by those at the scene. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Broadway theaters, such as the Shubert and St. James, prepare to dim their lights prior to the start of their shows on Sept. 13, 2001 in honor of those injured or killed at the World Trade Center. Matthew Brown/The Journal News

Broadway theaters, such as the Shubert and St. James, prepare to dim their lights prior to the start of their shows on Sept. 13, 2001 in honor of those injured or killed at the World Trade Center. Matthew Brown/The Journal News

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Family members hold up photos of loved ones lost during the attack on the World Trade Center at a interdenominational service at the site marking the final recovery efforts. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, along with New Jersey GovernorJames McGreevey, Christine Todd Whitman, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Cardinal Edward Egan were among those who attended a ceremony at Battery Park in Manhattan Monday morning on the six month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. The ceremony was held to dedicate a temporary memorial commemorating the lives lost at the World Trade Center. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Clarkstown Police Detective Lt. Chuck Delo at the Clarkstown Police Department in New City. The center was set up gather information on people missinmg at the World Trade Center. Peter Carr/The Journal News

Ernie Neydl, of Carmel and Larry Molahan, of Kent, lead officials and attendees in the pledge of allegiance on the steps of the Historic Putnam County Courthouse in Carmel during a remembrance ceremony on the six-month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Molahan is a retired firefighter in the FDNY. The Journal News

Glenn Wilson, Robert Byrnes, and Jay McMahon, all of the Rye Brook PBA, look over vans loaded with food and water for the rescue and recovery effort at at the World Trade Center Friday. Supplies were donated by Merchants at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. People shopping at the center also donated supplies, necessitating an additional van. The Journal News

John Arnold of the Rye Brook PBA makes sandwiches at the Rye Ridge Deli Friday that will be taken to help the rescue and recovery effort at at the World Trade Center. The association, along with merchants and shoppers at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center in Rye Brook, filled up several vans with supplies. The Journal News

David Tookmanian of Kent shows his patriotism as he stands along side Putnam County Sheriff's deputies in front of the Historic Putnam County Courthouse in Carmel during a remembrance ceremony on the six-month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. The Journal News

Letitia Driscoll of Carmel cries during a ceremony at Battery Park in Manhattan Monday morning on the six month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Letitia Driscoll lost her son Steven Driscoll, who was an EMS worker for the New York City Police Department. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Gail Silk of Carmel cries during a ceremony at Battery Park in Manhattan Monday morning on the six month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. The ceremony was held to dedicate a temporary memorial commemorating the lives lost at the World Trade Center. Gail Silk lost her brother, Steven Driscoll, who was an EMS worker for the New York City Police Department. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Debbie Furman of Suffern sorts some of the goods donated for the rescue workers at the World Trade Center at the collection center outside the Suffern Police station. Officer Clarke Osborn spearheaded the collection effort. The Journal News

A woman places a photograph of a loved one at the base of a temporary memorial after a ceremony at Battery Park in Manhattan Monday morning on the six month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. The ceremony was held to dedicate a temporary memorial commemorating the lives lost at the World Trade Center. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

A woman pauses during a moment of silence during a ceremony at Battery Park in Manhattan Monday morning on the six month anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. The ceremony was held to dedicate a temporary memorial commemorating the lives lost at the World Trade Center. March 11, 2002 Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Family members hold up photos of loved ones lost during the attack on the World Trade Center at a interdenominational service at the site marking the final recovery efforts June 2, 2002 Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Lynne Russo-Linale holds a photo of her bother during an interdenominational service at the site marking the final recovery efforts for victims who lost their lives during the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11th, Sunday, June 2, 2002. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Television satellite trucks are parked along West Street in lower Manhattan while covering the World Trade Center disaster. Smoke from the site can be seen in the background. September 19, 2001 Peter Carr/The Journal News

Debbie Romero of Trinidad and Frank Stevens of Manhattan try to find lost friends in a World Trade Center Poster that depicts the faces of all the victims in the window of Chelsea Jeans in downtown Manhattan August 2, 2002. The Journal News

Kelly DelPonti and her N.Y.C. neighbor Sue Troy stand along West Side Highway offering support to the rescue workers driving to the site of the World Trade Center. The road was open to emergency vehicles only. DelPonti said "I'm trying to show my support for the rescue workers." Troy said " I felt helpless but now I'm trying to make a difference". The Journal News

12-year-old Peter Raimondi and his 16-year-old brother Philip Raimondi, who lost their father, Peter Frank Raimondi in the attack on the World Trade Center, are joined by former mayor Rudolph Giuliani at "The Sphere" memorial in Battery Park. The boy's read a poem at the dedication ceremony March 11, 2002 The Journal News

With the New York Stock Exchange decked out with a giant American flag behind them, George Rodriguez steadies a ladder for Francisco Ortiz as they clean the facade of 25 Broad Street. Wall Streeters were preparing for the first day of trading since last Tuesday's attack on the World Trade Center. 9/16/2001 The Journal News

Zachary Budden of Service Sign Erectors looks out from his cherry picker bucket after hanging two American Flags from a light post on Park Ave. in Manhattan Wednesday. Budden was hanging the Stars and Stripes on light posts along Park Ave. from 53rd St. through 96th St. Countless American flags continue to pop up all over the New York area after last week's attack on the World Trade Center. September 19, 2001 Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Drana Dedvukaj of Mahopac holds a framed photograph of her brother Simon at the Shrub Oak Memorial Pavilion Dedication at the John C. Hart Memorial Library. Simon Dedvukaj was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2002. The pavilion was dedicated to five victims and their families. The Journal News

Volunteers Maryellen Gonyea and Richie Ryder, 10, both of Stony Point, carry supplies at the Stony Point Stop and Shop. The Town of Stony Point organized the relief effort for the World Trade Center rescue workers. Stop and Shop Corporation is matching customers donations up to one million dollars. September 15, 2001 Peter Carr/The Journal News

A United States Marine carries a United States Flag that was found at the site of the World Trade Center during the opening ceremonies at the U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. 8/26/02 Ricky Flores/The Journal News

New York City police officer Jessica Forenzi, cries softly during a ceremony at the police department memorial wall in Battery Park City on September 9, 2002. ForenziÕs fiance, New York City police officer Jerome Dominguez, was one of the officers killed in the attack on the World Trade Center. The names of those members of the NYPD killed in the September 11, 2001 attack were added to the wall. September 9, 2002 Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Crowds line Fifth Ave. outside St. Patrick's Cathedral Sunday during a memorial service for those lost in last Tuesday's destruction of the World Trade Center. September 16, 2001 Seth Harrison/The Journal News

New York City Police Sgt. Rob Kelly tells volunteers assembled across the street from the Javits Convention Center that most should go home on Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, days after the terrorist attack of the World Trade Center towers in New York City. 09/14/01 The Journal News

Evelyn Placek of White Plains places flowers at the the Firemens Memorial at West 100th Street and Riverside Drive in Manhattan Sunday. Her ex-husband was a New York City fireman. More than 300 firefighters are still unaccounted for since Tuesday's attack on the World Trade Center. 09/16/01 The Journal News

Geoff O'Sullivan from Ireland crosses 34th St. as he looks for a place to leave donations of socks, masks, undershirts and underwear after being turned away from Javits Convention Center on Friday, days after the terrorist attack of the World Trade Center. The Journal News

Janet Boyle and her husband George in the background, both of Buchanan, hold their candles and the American flag during the candle light vigil ceremony in front of the Buchanan Municipal Building on 9/23/2001. The vigil was held for the people that were lost in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center building in Lower Manhattan on September 11th. The Journal News

Linda Wargo of West Haverstraw, center, sings God Bless America with her neighbors at the ecumenical prayer service at Peck's Pond in West Haverstraw for the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy September 16, 2001. The Journal News

New York City Police Department Chief of Detectives Bill Allee walks through the crushed rubble from the World Trade Center before a ceremony marking the closing of the World Trade Center recovery operation at the Fresh Kills Land Fill on Staten Island on July 15, 2002. Allee worked at the land fill every day since September 11th. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

New York City Department of Sanitation workers stand during a ceremony marking the closing of the World Trade Center recovery operation at the Fresh Kills Land Fill on Staten Island on July 15, 2002. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Marina Arevalo of Paterson, New Jersey is comforted by William Rodriguez of Jersey City after a ceremony marking the closing of the World Trade Center recovery operation at the Fresh Kills Land Fill on Staten Island on July 15, 2002. Arevalo lost her son, Kenneth Lira, who worked in the World Trade Center. Rodriguez who worked in the north tower, escaped before the towers fell. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Cottage Lane Elementary School students hold aloft their "Chain of Hope." Each link expresses their support and hope in response to the World Trade Center tragedy. The entire student body joined its links together at a morning asembly and presented the chain to Vincent King, a NYC police officer who will take the "Chain of Hope" to the Bereavement Memorial on Pier 94 in Manhattan. From left to right are Justin Reiter, James Lampone, and Caitlin Archer. September 26, 2001 The Journal News

New York City Firefighter Tom Meara salutes as the casket of New York City Firefighter and Sloatsburg resident Dennis Germain passes by . Philip Germain and wife Louise exit St. Joan of Arc Church in Sloatsburg Friday morning where a funeral was held for the fallen firefighter. April 12, 2002 The Journal News

Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani meets with the media at his Manhattan office on September 4, 2002. Giuliani, former police commissioner Bernard Kerik, and former fire department commissioner Thomas Von Essen met with the media to discuss the one year anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Recovery workers representing the Port Authority Police Department, the New York City Fire Department and the New York Police Department, sift through debris with backhoes in search of human remains at the World Trade Center on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2002. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Recovery workers representing the Port Authority Police Department, the New York City Fire Department and the New York Police Department, watch a front loader spread out debris before they begin to search it for human remains with backhoes at the World Trade Center on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2002. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Stepinac football players observe a moment of silence for their assistant coach Joe Riverso prior to the start of Saturday afternoons game 9/22/01 against Cardinal Hayes at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. Joe Riverso was an assistant football coach at Stepinac for 16 years, he was lost in the World Trade Center disaster 2 weeks ago. Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News

New York City Probationary Firefighters march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Manhattan Saturday. The group carried 343 flags in honor of the fallen firefighters from the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. 03/16/02 The Journal News

Kindergarten teacher Jane Grauer waves an American flag as she sings the national anthem during the Westchester Day School's ceremony to thank members of the Mamaroneck police Department and fire department for their rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. 09/21/01 The Journal News

One of two beams that were part of the World Trade Center which remain standing as a symbol of mourning for those losted on Sept. 11th, May 27, 2002. This one will be cut down on Tuesday night and removed from the site on Thursday when recovery efforts will be officially closed. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Helen Barker and her son Matthew Shatinsky, 12, pray at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Cold Spring for family members missing in the World Trade Center terrorist attack. Friday was designated a National day of prayer and rememberance. Helen's husband is Robin Barker, and his first cousin is missing. Additionally, Matthew's brother-in-law is also missing. Joe Larese/The Journal News

Bulletin boards and shrines can be found throughout the city. This one is located near the Armory at Lexington Avenue in Manhattan 9/18/01. Thousands of images cover the walls and neighborhoods around the armory seeking information about loved ones who have disappeared after the attack on the World Trade Center Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Members of the United States Congress stand during the invocation during a special joint meeting of congress at Federal Hall in lower Manhattan on September 6, 2002. The special session was in commemoration of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. Congress convened in NYC for the first time since 1790. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Jonathan DeCarlo, 3, and his grandfather Arnie Jansen of Bayridge, Brooklyn attended the "Silent March" in Bayridge, Brooklyn, in memorial to the World Trade Center attack, the Pentagon attack, and the crash site in Shanksville, PA, during a silent march in Bayridge, Brooklyn 09/08/02 The Journal News

Fifth graders are helped by parents Enise Dunn (left) and Eileen Hayman at the Immaculate Conception School in Stony Point to imprint their hands on a Hand Painted Flag. The flag was created by the school as a dedication to all of the World Trade center rescue workers who worked so selflessly. It will be used as a backdrop for for the school's May 3 fashion show called "Sweet Land of Liberty". 4/26/2002 The Journal News

Alicia Mulcahy fights back tears as she holds her son, Liam 2. In center is Matt Dowling. Over 70 neighbors gathered at the end of Lark Street in Pearl River to participate in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the World Trade Center attack September 14, 2001 Peter Carr/The Journal News

A women walking along Lexington Ave. near the Armory Friday morning stops to look at missing person fliers left behind by family and friends of those missing in the World Trade Center disaster. September 14, 2001 The Journal News

Steven Tedaldi of Brooklyn, expresses his anger on some steps leading into Union Square Park in Manhattan 9/18/01. Union Square is one of the largest gathering sites in the city where people have been making shrines and hanging posters in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Over 70 neighbors gathered at the end of Lark Street in Pearl River to participate in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the World Trade Center attack September 14, 2001 Peter Carr/The Journal News

Over 70 neighbors gathered at the end of Lark Street in Pearl River to participate in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the World Trade Center attack September 14, 2001 Peter Carr/The Journal News

Nora Sheehan holds the flag given to the family of her niece, June Sheehan, during a Memorial Day ceremony 05/27/02 in White Plains Rural Cemetery. Sheehan died during the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11. The Journal News

Construction workers cut off a flag pole from the last remaining beam during a ceremony at the World Trade Center site Tuesday 05/28/01. The beam was cut down and placed on the bed of a flatbed truck. The Journal News

Workers guide the last remaining beam as it is lifted by crane to a truck during a ceremony at the World Trade Center site 05/28/02. The beam was cut off and then covered with a black shroud and flowers on the truck. The Journal News

Theresa Munoz, 15, and Kristina Marie Anaya, 9, both of Suffern practice playing the piano before practice. They are both members of V.O.I.C.E.S. Very Open-hearted Individuals Concerned-about Every Soul, which is a group of teens that have come together to do preformances whose proceeds will go toward a World Trade Center memorial for those who died from Suffern. The Journal News

Jeannine Johnson tries to cover her nose because of the smell from the World Trade Center fire as she rides the Staten Island Ferry into New York City. The ferry made its first trips to and from the city since Tuesday on 09/17/01 The Journal News

Elba Cepeno of West Haverstraw touches the carved eagle in front of the first countywide memorial created in honor of local victims of the World Trade Center attacks. Dedication took place at Orangetown Town Hall Sunday. Cepeno lost her partner Catherine T. Smith on September 11. The Journal News

Suffern police Officer Clarke Osborn sorts some of the goods donated for the rescue workers at the World Trade Center at the collection center outside the Suffern Police station. Clarke Osborn spearheaded the collection effort. 09/14/01 The Journal News

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Third-grader NIcole Stuhlweissenburg bows her head during a moment of silence on Sept. 14, 2001 at Tappan Zee Elementary School. Nicole said she was "thinking about what happened when the plane crashed and both towers went down; and seeing a lot of people going to hospitals and the doctors, firemen and policemen helping. I felt very sad." The Journal News

Bulletin boards and shrines sprung up throughout the city following 9/11. Thousands of images cover the walls and lamp posts around the Lexington Avenue Armory seeking information on loved ones following the attacks on the World Trade Center. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

A tearful Cathy Munoz of Queens holds a picture Sept. 13, 2001 of her husband, Francisco, who worked at the World Trade Center. Francisco is shown holding their godson Michael. Many gathered outside the Lexington Avenue Armory seeking information on missing loved ones. The Journal News

Flowers, candles and photos make up a memorial on Sept. 15, 2001 to fallen firefighters at Engine Company 1, Hook & Ladder 24 , Third Division on West 31st Street. At far right is a photo of Father Mychal F. Judge, chaplain of the F.D.N.Y. who perished while serving his men at the World Trade Center. The Journal News

Marianne Tappan talks with her family while Erin Tappan, Alicia Poster, 12, and Pat Cotton, all of Long Island, wait for word of where to proceed on Sept. 15, 2001. The family of John F. Plunket broke into teams and went from hospital to hospital searching for Plunket who is missing since the attacks on the World Trade Center. The Journal News

A woman cries by the Hudson River after a remembrance ceremony for Robert S. Speisman at Matthiessen Park in Irvington on Sept. 16, 2001. Those at the memorial threw flowers into the river. Speisman was one of the victims of the airline crash at the Pentagon Building in Virginia. The Journal News

Winsome Wright of Spring Valley lights a candle before a procession from Memorial Park to the First Baptist Church of Spring Valley for a prayer vigil on Sept. 16, 2001 held by the Ministers Alliance and the village of Spring Valley. Peter Carr/The Journal News

Cheryl Russo of Garnerville and Robert Alonso of Stony Point, console each other at AlonsoÕs restaurant, PatriciaÕs Pizza and Deli in Garnerviille on Sept. 13, 2001. Janet Alonso, RussoÕs sister and AlonsoÕs wife, died at the World Trade Center. Peter Carr/The Journal News

Nancy Ryan of Edgewater, N.J. prays during a Mass of Supplication at St. PatrickÕs Cathedral on Sept. 17, 2001. A firefighter friend is missing following the attack on the World Trade Center. The service honored the heroic men and women of the Uniformed Services of New York City who died. The Journal News

John Forbes of Denver looks at photos of the World Trade Center being sold as souvenirs on Sept. 12, 2001 outside Time Square. " It can definitely be a collectors item of sorts" he said. Joe Larese/The Journal News

Antonia Silver of Manhattan contemplates the loss of friends on Sept. 18, 2001 from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center during a public memorial to the victims at Union Square Park in Manhattan. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Juanita Allen, left, and Ann Johnson pray at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill on Sept. 14, 2001, which was designated as a National Day of Prayer and Rememberance for the victims of 9/11. Joe Larese/The Journal News

Charlene Castro of Hillcrest places flowers on the billboard outside the Hillcrest Fire Department on Sept. 17, 2001 where Greg Sikorsky volunteered. Sikorsky, a New York City firefighter, died on 9/11. CastroÕs son Conrad, 11, waits at right. The Journal News

The Rev. Shu Ye, a Buddhist nun prays during the evening service at the Chuang Yen Buddhist Monastery in Kent on Sept. 14, 2001. The monastery marked the events of 9/11 by ringing the temple bell and praying for the victims. Joe Larese/The Journal News

Alicia Mulcahy fights back tears as she holds her son, Liam 2 on Sept. 14, 2001. Over 70 neighbors gathered on Lark Street in Pearl River for a candlelight vigil for 9/11 victims. Next to Mulcahy is Matt Dowling. Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Rev. Shu Ye, a Buddhist nun prays during the evening service at the Chuang Yen Buddhist Monastery in Kent on Sept. 14, 2001. The monastery marked the events of 9/11 by ringing the temple bell and praying for the victims. Joe Larese/The Journal News

Joan Berkley of Manhattan holds a photo of her nephew, Michael Berkeley, who worked on the 79 floor of 1 World Trade Center. She waited on a patient information line set up at The New School, a block away from St. VincentÕs Hospital on Sept. 12, 2001. The Journal News

Medical personnel wait on Sept. 12, 2001 for victims of the World Trade Center attack. Very few rescued victims were brought to the hospital. Several injured firefighters from rescue and recovery operations were brought in for treatment. The Journal News

Flowers, candles and photos make up a memorial to fallen firefighters at Engine Company 1, Hook & Ladder 24 , Third Division on West 31st Street on Sept. 15, 2001. At far right is a photo of Father Mychal F. Judge, the FDNY chaplain who perished while serving his men at the World Trade Center attack. A funeral mass was celebrated across the street at The Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The Journal News

St. Thomas Acquinas students Irene Emmanouilidis and Lauren Koterba cry as they attend the collegeÕs interfaith prayer service for victims of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. EmmanouildisÕ cousin, John Catastmates, died in the disaster. The Journal News

Family members hold up photos of loved ones lost during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center at an interdenominational service marking the final recovery efforts at Ground Zero on June 2, 2002. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Family members hold up photos of loved ones lost during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center at a service marking the final recovery efforts at Ground Zero on June 2, 2002. File photo by Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Rosemary Cain of Patterson holds a sign with a photo of her son, George Cain, a member of NYFD Tower Ladder 7 . She was among the 1000 people gathered at Church and Liberty streets near the World Trade Center on Sept. 10, 2003. Matthew Brown/The Journal News

Mark Quinn cries while visiting a memorial at Union Square for the dead and missing from the World Trade Center on Sept. 21, 2001. QuinnÕs best friend, Chuck Murphy, worked at Cantor Fitzgerald. Quinn has come to the memorial to pray for his friend every day since 9/11. The Journal News

Ellen Shea, wife of Daniel Shea, is consoled outside St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Manhattan on Sept. 19, 2001before a memorial service for her husband and his brother Joseph Shea. The brothers, residents of Pelham and employed by Cantor Fitzgerald, are missing and presumed dead after last weekÕs attack on the World Trade Center. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

A young girl lights a candle at the firefighters memorial monument on Riverside Drive at 100th St. on Sept. 19, 2001. Hundreds of candles have been left at the memorial to honor the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea arrive for the funeral on Sept. 15, 2001 of Father Mychal F. Judge, FDNY chaplain who perished while helping firemen at the World Trade Center. The Journal News

The casket of Father Mychal F. Judge, FDNY chaplain leaves the Church of St. Francis of Assisi following his funeral service on Sept. 15, 2001. Judge perished while serving his men at the World Trade Center on 9/11. The Journal News

Nancy Shea, wife of Joseph Shea, is consoled outside St. Ignatius of Loyola Church on Sept. 19, 2001 while her son Patrick, 12, wipes tears before a memorial service for Joseph Shea and his brother Daniel Shea. The brothers, residents of Pelham and employed by Cantor Fitzgerald, are missing and presumed dead after last weekÕs attack on the World Trade Center. The Journal News

Cathy Schwarz of Pelham breaks down in tears during a standing room only Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sept. 14, 2001. Thousands crowded the cathedral for a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

EMTs from Metro Care comfort each other as they leave the burial for Yamel Jager Merino at Mount Hope Cemetery on Sept. 14, 2001. Merino lost her life in the World Trade Center attacks. Mark Vergari/The Journal News

Fina Jager holds her grandson, Kevin Jager Merino, 8, as he cries over his mother's casket during her funeral at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Yonkers on Sept. 14, 2001. Jager Merino, an EMT with MetroCare, died at the World Trade Center. The Journal News

Nancy Shea embraces her son Peter, after a memorial service on Sept. 19, 2001 for her husband Joseph Shea and his brother, Daniel Shea, who perished on 9/11. The two men worked at Cantor Fitzgerald. The Journal News

American Airlines flight stewards Birgit Mayo and C.J. Cipriano comfort each other during a gathering of pilots and flight stewards at Union Square Park on Sept. 18, 2001. The service was in memory of the pilots and crews from the 4 hijacked airliners who died on 9/11. Ricky Flores/The Journal News

Holli Silver reads an flyer from Westchester Family Chiropractic in Eastchester asking for donations for Silver and her daughter Rachel, 2, on Sept. 19, 2001. Silver's husband, David, lost his life on 9/11. Silver is expecting her second child in October. The Journal News

Melanie SalisburyÕs husband, Ted Hennessy, was a passenger on Flight 11 from Boston on Sept. 11, one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center. MelanieÕs father, Wright Salisbury of Irvington, left, is a board member of Families of September 11 Inc., a national group seeking to have a voice in how charitable groups distribute money. Next to Melanie is her mother Meredith Salisbury. Her daughter Rachel, 7, holds a photograph of her father, while Matthew, 4, sits on his grandmothers lap. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Alison Crowther poses with a picture of her son, Welles Remy Crowther, while holding a red bandana on June 6, 2002. CrowtherÕs son was "the man in the red bandana," who is credited with saving many people from the Sept. 11 disaster before losing his own life. The Journal News

Ina Howard and Lee Colmer, both of Manhattan, comfort each other at a memorial at Union Square on Sept. 13, 2001. Hundreds placed flowers, candles and left written thoughts and prayers to memorialize those killed and injured at the World Trade Center. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Family members attend a funeral service for Brian Christopher Novotny at The Church of St. Augustine in New City on May 17, 2002. Novotny was killed on 9/11 and his remains were only recently identified. The Journal News

Letitia Driscoll of Carmel kisses a badge containing the name of her son, NYPD officer Stephen Driscoll, who died on 9/11. She attended a ceremony at the police department memorial wall in Battery Park City on Sept. 9, 2002. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Robert Alonso of Stony Point and his son, Robbie, 2, place flowers on the casket of his wife, Janet, after a service at Mount Repose Cemetery in Haverstraw Saturday. Janet Alonso was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The Journal News

FDNY Capt. Mark Munnelly, of Hook &Ladder Co. 2, holds a company helmet while a procession of firefighters enters St. Joan of Arc Church in Sloatburg April 12, 2002 for firefighter Dennis Germain. The Journal News

John Oitice, mother Jean, daughter Jessica, the family of FDNY firefighter Samuel Oitice, hug grave side at the Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt on March 18, 2002. Oitice's body was recovered late last week. Oitice was a member of the FDNY and a volunteer with the city of Peekskill Fire Patrol. Joe Larese/The Journal News

A Franciscan priest serves communion to a NYC firefighter during the funeral on Sept. 15, 2001 of Father Mychal F. Judge, FDNY chaplain who perished while helping firefighters at the World Trade Center attack. The service was held at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The Journal News

Cardinal Edward Egan sprinkles holy water on Sept. 15, 2001 on the casket of Father Mychal F. Judge, FDNY chaplain who perished while helping firemen at the World Trade Center attack. The service took place at The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Midtown Manhattan. The Journal News

With a rosary secured to his helmet, firefighter Steve Marley of Engine Co, 48 in the Bronx attends the funeral of Father Mychal F. Judge, FDNY chaplain who perished while serving his men at the World Trade Center on 9/11. The Journal News

Cardinal Edward Egan sprinkles holy water on the casket of Father Mychal (cq) F. Judge, chaplain of the F.D.N.Y. who perished while helping firemen at the World Trade Center attack. The service took place at The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Midtown Manhattan. The Journal News

St. Thomas Aquinas students Beth Scortino, Elyse Clark, Irene Emmanouilidis and Lauren Koterba cry during the college's interfaith prayer service for WTC victims on Sept. 11, 2002. Emmanouildis' cousin, John Catastmates, died on 9/11. The Journal News

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, City Council speaker Peter Vallone, ValloneÕs wife, Gov. George Pataki and his wife Libby pray during a memorial service at St. PatrickÕs Cathedral on Sept. 16, 2001. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Jim and Sujette Overstreet of Nashville, Tenn. pause before a bronze statue of a fallen firefighter on Eighth Avenue at West 44th Street Manhattan Sept. 22, 2001. The statue is being donated by the Missouri firefighters to the City of New York. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani consoles the family member of one of the victims of the attack son the World Trade Center before a ceremony marking the end of the clean up of the site on May 30, 2002. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

The New York City street scene is reflected in the famous window displays at Saks Fifth Ave. on Sept. 14, 2001. The store blackened their windows in commemoration of the lives lost in the World Trade Center terrorist attack. Only the words "In Sadness" are printed on the windows of the department store. Seth Harrison/The Journal News

Karen Jenkins and Rachel Jenkins sing with the choir at the Tabernacle of Prayer Revival Church Center Church in Dobbs Ferry on Sept. 23, 2001. They attended the America United: A Westchester Community Remembrance sponsored by Westchester County and the American Red Cross in Westchester County at the Westchester Community College in Valhalla. Mark Vergari/The Journal News

Elizabeth Moroney plays a flute solo from DvorakÕs New World Symphony during the Mass of Remembrance and Hope for her father, Dennis Moroney of Tuckahoe on Sept. 22, 2001. She and her brother, Timothy, also did readings at the Mass. Dennis, a partner with Cantor Fitzgerald, died on 9/11. Mark Vergari/The Journal News

Anna Jager kisses her daughter, Yamel Jager MerinoÕs casket, during her funeral service at the Sinatra Funeral Home in Yonkers on Sept. 14, 2001. Yamel, an EMT with MetroCare, died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Holding Fina is family member Edwin Velasquez. The Journal News

Friends and co-workers cry on Sept. 14, 2001 over the casket of Yamel Jager Merino, a MetroCare EMT who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. She was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson. The Journal News